Downton Abbey Theme Paper

Downton Abbey: Series 2 Episode 1

Downton Abbey is a British period drama set in the late 1910s and early 1920s. It tells the story of the aristocratic Crawley family and the people who serve them in their palatial country estate and how the events that occurred throughout history affect their lives. A trademark of the series has always been its’ relatively sympathetic view of aristocratic and wealthy families and the class system during 20th century. The first episode in the second season of Downton Abbey eludes to that theme by presenting a storyline that features the effects that World War I has on everyone who lives and works at Downton. Also, as with most period pieces, romance and the hardships that come along with it is a prevalent theme throughout Downton Abbey and especially in the first episode of the second season. The storylines of Matthew and Mary and Bates and Anna paint a perfect illustration of the theme of romance in the series.

A prevailing theme in this episode of Downton Abbey is the power and the effect that war has on all types of people. While Matthew, the heir to Downton, joins the army and faces battle on the front lines of World War I while many others at Downton struggle with finding ways to contribute to the war effort. Robert, The Earl of Grantham, longs to be an active participant in the war. He has no actual duty to fight and he certainly wouldn’t be expected to because of his aristocratic status, however, his ultimate desire in this episode is being able to join the battle and he fears he is not doing his duty. He is at first thrilled to learn that he is given the title of Colonel of the North Riding Volunteers, only to be humiliated when he later learns that it is only a symbolic position. William, a footman at Downton, also wants to join the army. However, his father has forbidden him from joining and he feels bad for not stepping up in his country’s time of need. He is horrified when he is given a white feather...